News of the Week

Friday, July 3, 2026

Words from the bulletin of the service in memory of The Rev. Douglas Eric Hanson, June 27, 2026. We thank Jessica Yothers for attending the service and representing our congregation. She said the church was packed and she was so happy to see the children, who were young when Doug served our church and the family lived in our parsonage, who are all grown up now. We continue to pray for this family as they struggle with the sudden loss of the father and husband as well as the church family who has lost their faithful leader so suddenly. May God answer their prayers and grant them peace.

Just a Prayer (author unknown)

Just a prayer from those who love you-
just a memory, fond and true;
In our heart you will live forever,
because we thought the world of you.
It broke our heart to lose you,
but you did not go alone;
For part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
A million times we miss you,
a million tears we cried;
If love could have saved you,
you never would have died.
A smile for all, a heart of gold
one of the best this world could hold,
Deep in our hearts you will always stay,
loved and remembered every day.

Your positive thought for the week: “You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” – Brene Brown

July 5, 2026

  • 9:30 a.m. – Worship with Communion
  • We will meet in our air-conditioned lower social hall
  • The sermon series for the summer months will be “Women in the Bible.”
    • The first woman we’ll learn about is Hagar
    • If you want to read ahead about her, there is plenty of information about her on the internet. Search “Hagar in the Bible.”

July 12, 2026

  • 9:30 a.m. – Worship
  • 11:00 a.m. – Memorial Service for Ron Wetherhold
    • All are welcome.
    • Our member, Ron Wetherhold, died May 11, 2026.
    • If anyone remembers him, the family would like to know your remembrances.
    • A family gathering the same day at 5 p.m. will be held.
    • For more information, please contact the church, 610-966-3601.

July 19, 2026

  • 9:30 a.m. – Worship

July 26, 2026

  • 9:30 a.m. – Worship
  • Immediately following the service, join us for free bingo games in the lower social hall
    • Enjoy free breakfast sandwiches made by our confirmation students
    • Buy some delicious treats at the bake sale.
    • Please consider making something for our bake sale.
    • Join us just to see the prizes!

Dillingersville thank you!

  • Thanks to everyone who made the Dillingersville service special. There were 160 people present. From planning, making food, lugging and transporting tables, trash cans, and roasters, bringing things from our kitchen including water, ice, plates, plasticware, cups, vessels to hold the drinks, practicing the anthems, sharing in the service, setting up the tables, roasters, electricity, food, making drinks, serving the food and cleaning up, and so much more! WE THANK YOU!!! Fearless leaders: Bob and Annie Souder, Chris Schell and Jack Yeakel, and so many more. We had plenty of help thanks to all who volunteered and took time out. Some Scouts showed up to help park cars and set up chairs. Annie Souder had the honor of ringing the school bell this year. What a day it was and we praise God for the wonderful day it turned out to be. Our visiting family reunion guests were very inspired by the service and the wonderful time to be in nature to enjoy the surroundings and the presence of Christ in our midst. A fond adieu to the Dillingersville Schoolhouse until next year.
  • NOTE: There was a pink dish cloth left in a box of items for the bake sale. If that belongs to you, please let me know as we want to return it to the owner.

Are You Hungry?

  • July sale: Ham & cheese sandwiches (soup sale will resume in the fall). Orders due this Sunday, Jul 12. Pick-up orders on Thu, Jul 23 between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. More details on our website.

School Supply Drive

  • Our church is participating in a school supply drive hosted by Lehigh Conference of Churches.
  • Last day for donations is Aug. 2.
  • There is a box on the bench outside my office for your contributions.
  • Just a thought: Staples is having a school supply sale right now where most needed items are 25 cents each.
  • The needed item list is in your newsletter but here are the highlights: #2 pencils, pencil cases, erasers, scissors, glue sticks, markers, crayons, colored pencils, folders, rulers and a few more items if you wish to provide them.
  • The offices of the Conference of Churches are in Allentown and the supplies will be distributed at a bash there later in August. \Thanks in advance for your support.

Ringing of the Bell

On Saturday, July 4, at 2:50 pm (get it – 250!) our church bell will be rung 13 times to represent the 13 original colonies. This bell ringing around the nation is being coordinated by the National Bell Festival. I’m sure you will hear bells ringing at other times throughout the day as other municipalities have called for bells to be rung at 12 noon. That is when the Dillingersville Schoolhouse bell will be rung. I’m delighted to announce that our bell ringers will be: Richard and Brenda Shoemaker and Timmy, their grandson. What a great way to be part of history Timmy! Smile for the cameras my dear!

    Other News

    • We have a number of items available for free; please let Pastor Lori know if you can use them.
      • Two (2) almost-new car booster seats for children under 7
      • A stroller
      • Toilet seat bars that go over the toilet
      • A commode
    • We have a transport wheelchair that you may borrow from the church.
    • We are still collecting printer or ink cartridges as well as pens and markers that have run out of ink to recycle at Staples. To date we have raised over $325 toward Staples purchases. I have small boxes at the front and ramp doors for your “contributions.” Or you can put bags of ink cartridges outside of my office. Thanks! Keep them coming. You are an awesome support of this interesting way to recycle and get credit at Staples for future purchases.
      • NOTE: Please do not bring batteries any more. There is now a charge for battery recycling.

    As always, we hold in prayer many of our members and friends who are walking through difficult seasons—facing grief, illness, loneliness, changes in living situations, and other challenges that weigh heavily on the heart. We also remember our brothers and sisters around the world who continue to recover from the devastation of war, oppression, and natural disasters.

    At the same time, we give thanks for the many joys among us—birthdays and anniversaries, the gift of new life, weddings, healing and remission from illness, and countless other blessings that remind us of God’s goodness.

    Peace to all,
    Lori Esslinger
    Part Time Pastor
    Old Zionsville UCC
    call or text:  610-393-3522